HEALTHY COMMUNITIES ATTORNEY, TOXICS
Earthjustice is seeking an experienced attorney to join the Healthy Communities team in its Northeast office. The Healthy Communities work is at the heart of Earthjustice’s mission to defend the right of all people to live, work, and raise children in a healthy environment. The attorney selected for this position will work closely with other professionals (attorneys, scientists, policy analysts, communications experts) seeking to protect families and communities—especially the nation’s most overburdened communities—from toxic chemicals in the workplace, in consumer products, in the built environment, and in the outside environment. The attorney also will partner with Earthjustice staff who focus on securing clean air, clean water, sustainable food and agriculture, and protections against harm from hazardous waste. We have a strong preference for an attorney who will join our New York City office, but we will consider other offices or remote working. The successful applicant may be called on to litigate outside his or her home jurisdiction.
Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups and supporters to engage the critical environmental issues of our time, and bring about positive change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.
Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We achieve this by hiring people who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters are in San Francisco with offices in Anchorage, Juneau, Los Angeles, Miami, Tallahassee, Honolulu, New York, Philadelphia, Denver, Seattle, Bozeman, and Washington, DC.
Applicants must be ready and able to develop and lead litigation from day one. The ideal candidate for this position will have extensive and successful experience with all aspects of complex litigation—including developing cases, conducting discovery, motion practice, evidentiary hearings, post-trial briefing, and appeals. Prior experience with environmental law is not required, but prior experience with regulatory law is strongly preferred. Also preferred is a demonstrated capacity to work effectively in a public-interest environment. We offer a mission- and employee-focused work environment and a competitive compensation package, including excellent benefits. Earthjustice is an equal opportunity employer and highly values diversity.
Responsibilities:
- Manage new and existing cases from start to finish, performing all aspects of litigation, including: drafting pleadings, motions and briefs; conducting discovery; presenting oral arguments; and handling appeals.
- Conduct factual investigations and develop legal theories for possible advocacy or litigation advancing the goals of our toxics work and other areas of the Healthy Communities docket.
- Join other staff in long-term planning, strategy development, goal-setting, and work plan management that advances a collective vision for future Healthy Communities work, generally, and toxics litigation, specifically.
- Participate actively in organizational and office efforts to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.
- Supervise the work of Associate Attorneys, Law Clerks, and Litigation Assistants, who are part of the litigation team.
- Develop and manage relationships with co-counsel, clients, and coalition partners.
- Work effectively with other departments within Earthjustice, including Communications, Development, and Policy and Legislation.
Qualifications:
- Admitted or willing to seek admission to the New York bar.
- At least six years of litigation experience.
- Experience in pre-trial proceedings (e.g., regulatory comments; preparation of fact and expert witnesses; motion practice); evidentiary hearings; post-trial briefing; and appellate litigation.
- Excellent research, analysis, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and to implement collective plans.
- Initiative, good judgment, a collegial work style, and a strong work ethic.
- A commitment to public interest work and a passion for Earthjustice’s mission.
- Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others.
- Aware of and sensitive to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
- Eager to help the office recruit, hire, develop, and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce
We offer a mission and employee-focused work environment and a competitive compensation package including excellent benefits. Earthjustice is an equal opportunity employer and highly values diversity.
To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a:
- Resume.
- One- or two-page cover letter that addresses at least the following subjects: (1) why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission and whether there are particular legal, environmental, or justice issues that inspire you; and (2) aspects of your background that demonstrate competence to work with diverse clients and colleagues.
- Legal writing sample, preferably from litigation, that is either unedited or lightly edited by someone other than you. Please include a cover sheet explaining the extent of editing.
- List of three references.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Please reach out to jobs@earthjustice.org if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.